There’s a couple of ways that you could try to label NYC-based group Ex Reyes, but maybe the tag that really sums it up is one they’ve already laid claim to: "future nostalgia" (something similar was said of French band Air’s debut album ‘Moon Safari‘). Ex Reyes, the project of Mikey Hart (Bleachers, The Cranberries, Santigold) is a genre-bending mix of soul-psych–melding Motown vibes, Beach Boys innovation, creamy falsettos and swirling synths to create mid-60’s music from the 21st century. The sound is like a sock hop populated by robots, or maybe a reflection of Hart’s New York–a city defined by its history, but never separated from the hum of moderniztion. Check out Ex Reyes’s Do Something EP here, listen to single ‘Bad Timing below, and don’t miss the upcoming live show at Union Pool on December 9th. – Olivia Sisinni

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

 Initially, "You Missed Your Chance," the latest single from Nashville-based band, The Pressure Kids, sounds sweet, dance-y and instantly catchy. With soaring choruses that betray just a bit of twang, strong melodies, and flitting beats, you might almost miss the deeper lyricism lurking beneath the polished track. When you take the time to peel back to the words, the song becomes a mediation on missing chances, the melancholy that surrounds it, and the the strive to move forward and be ok. An anthem for those amid the 20-something malaise, be sure to listen to the single streaming below.-Olivia Sisinni

 As their name suggests, there’s definitely something incindiary about Easthampton-based band Kindling. Their songs are thick with a nasty, fuzz and feedback coating, paired against ethereal vocals that somehow manage to float above the firey instrumental whirlwind happening beneath them. Catch the band at Brighton Music Hall 1/18 playing with City of Caterpiller and The Saddest Landscape, and be sure to stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni

While the name Recluse Raccoon may have the sheen of simple children’s programing, the Richmond-based three-piece is far from delivering clean, simplistic tunes. Billing themselves as a psychedellic-jazz-pop band, the group is certainly not too shy to serve up angular melodies, but Recluse Racoon’s tracks never stray too far from structure–they often root themselves with a soft, driving tom-tom–and create tracks that edge toward experimental, but never feel loose. Maybe what’s most striking about the band is the voices–gossamer vocals that border on ghostly create a distinct, ethereal, quality to their songs. With a sound that inspires introspection, the band is definitely our suggestion for your next grey, moody day. You can catch Recluse Raccoon playing The Camel 12/9 with Lightfields, The Wimps and Get in the Car, but in the meantime, stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni

With tracks like "Burrito" and "Browned Out," it’s clear that slacker punks, GYMSHORTS, are not taking themselves all that seriously–but that’s all part of the band’s charm. With mellowed punk riffs, surf rock beats, riotous vocals, and a cheeky sense of humor, the group is kind of hard to not immediately fall in love with. Check out "BURRITO" off the band’s latest release, Wet Willy, streaming below.-Olivia Sisinni

The Meltaways play riot-grrrl punk the way it was meant to be played–like a knuckle punch connecting with your temple. With spirited, blitzy vocals, schreeching guitars, pointed lyricism and the warmth and scratchiness of a lo-fi recording, the band’s self titled release is a blistering 7 track record of earnest bravado. Check out the Meltaways at IDIO Gallery 12/17 with Turnip King, Deadbeat Club and Human People and stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni

Madaila, a Burlington based group with powerful pop hooks and tasty synths, are making some seriously ripe-for-radio tunes. Armed with soulful vocal performances, infectious grooves and a dash of neon, the band’s sound is catchy and distinctive, but is also free to convey a bit of darkness lingering under the shimmering, synth-y mass. Take a listen to the band below, and catch them playing Burlington’s Higher Ground Ballroom with Arc Iris 12/30.-Olivia Sisinni
 

Self-described "traitors of the human race," Nashville-based act, The Mumzees, definitely packs all the angst of a post-punk band. With vocals that rotate between snarling and apathetically monotone, minimalist guitar leads and a hazy aesthetic, the group manages to create catchy tunes that’ll prove to be slices of heaven for those seeking a decidely late-80’s vibe. Check out the Mumzees at Meal Ticket 12/2 with PONCÉ and James Ross, and stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni

 If you want an exercise in controlled chaos, why not look to Baltimore-based Horse Lords? The experimental group lays down frenetic tunes that jam just as much as they threaten to dance themselves off a cliff. Their latest release, Interventions, is a whirlwind of cascading poly-rhythms, textured tones, and devilishly, funky grooves. Horse Lords is currently on a European tour, so hold yourself over until their return by streaming them below.-Olivia Sisinni

With smooth vocals and punchy, danceable riffs punctuated by synths, DC-based RadaR offers infectious indie rock that’s guaranteed to grip you on the dancefloor. Featuring soaring hooks, catchy melodies, and an electro-britpop sensibility, the band’s music is instantly compelling, but their deeper lyricism offers even more for listeners to engage with beyond a first-blush pass through. Listen to RadaR streaming below.-Olivia Sisinni

Jaw Gems, a group of four guys hailing from the upper reaches of New England–Portland, Maine–are producing some of the most refreshing neo-soul music out there. Planting themselves in the same vein as artists like Thundercat and Flying Lotus, the group crafts fat and funky instrumentals that edge toward the experimental side. They band effortlessly laces their trippy hip hop beats with strong jazz influences, and maybe the occasional transmission from Mars. Catch the band opening for Lettuce at the House of Blues 12/31, and in the meantime, stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni

Brooklyn-based indie rockers, Flying Pace, are back at it again with a new single (and an impending EP on the horizon). "Mayday," a track that exemplifies the band’s brand of mellow indie, features whispery vocals set against understated instrumentals and smart lyricism. With a slight jazzy influence and an unothordox chord progression, the new tune is instantly engaging, and leaves us excited for the rest of the EP! Check out Flying Pace at their album release party 11/20 at Mercury Lounge with Robot Princess, and stream "Mayday" below.-Olivia Sisinni